Previously we released some news about a game that our pets were asking for but didn't seem to exist; Grand Grotto. We are pleased to announce that Webkinz has released this game for play in the arcade. However, it is a Deluxe only game. It can be accessed through the web and Desktop app versions, only at this time. The idea behind the game is to get the water flowing through 50 levels by breaking gems and when you get to the end you win a Trophy. After you have finished the game, you can go back through and play any level you wish, again. There is only one trophy per account and it is not a Kinzpostable item. So you can take your time earning it.

The Zingoz Pie Throw Trophy Challenge will begin Monday, August 19th and run until Sunday, August 25th. There will be a challenge icon in your room with 3 tasks that you’ll need to complete before midnight KT, August 25th (EST) to earn the Zingoz Pie Throw Trophy. Don't leave it till the last day. You will need at least 3 days for the Wishing Well wishes.

Earn 200 KinzCash playing Zingoz Pie Throw in the Arcade

Make 15 Wishes Playing Wishing Well 2 in the Arcade

Feed your pet 10 pieces of Cherry Pie from the WShop

This is a Deluxe member challenge. For more information on Deluxe Memberships, starting as low as .99 for the first month for first timers, check out the Ganz estore for the details.

We would like to congratulate Webkinz Insider member LazyGal on the adoption of her Whippet Puppy, Bolt. Wednesday's are Deluxe eStore Specials days and for this first Wednesday, there was a pre-sale of the Whippet pup for Deluxe members. Here is Bolt in his room with his pet specific item, Favorite Fireplace Spot while he eats his special food; Short Rib Sliders. This adorable puppy will be available at the Ganz eStore on August 16th for everyone.

It's time to Get your Wacky On!! Wacky Celebration will run August 1st to 11th. There are great new prizes and fun activities the whole month, but it all begins with Wacky Celebration! Wacky Milkshakes will be floating in Webkinz World (2 for Free players, 5 for regulars and 8 for Deluxe) to feed your pet for a chance to win the grand prize, a Wacky Bumper Car! There will also be an EXTRA milkshake you can get from the Wacky Waving balloon in the Clubhouse room. According to Podkinz episode #124, the prize will be much easier to get than the Polarberry and Goo Goo Berry seeds from the Berry Fest. Also, during this time Wacky Zingoz will be having their annual 600+ trophy event. This is the trophy that will give you that Zingoz Celebration Wacky Thrills badge if you get 3 trophies during the event. Finally, there will be 4 brand new items from WackYer Zingoz when you reach 11500. A Zangoz Knapsack, Wacky Headphones, WackyER Standee or a Wacky Rug. Check out our Games tips forum for all the tips you need to get that trophy. And check out the WIki for previous years' prizes. How far can you swat Wacky? What is your best all time score?

UPDATE!! The results from the voting are in and the winning theme is the Trick or Treat Street Theme! UPDATE!!

Voting is now over, results are in.

We have one day left to vote on a New W-Shop Theme for Halloween. The concept drawings of one piece of each theme are displayed below with a link to the Voting page. It will close Midnight July 25th. The themes are Glampire, which is supposed to represent a Teenaged Vampire's room. Then we have Trick or Treat Street which will have Home Fronts and outdoor furniture. Lastly, the Cauldron Café theme which will cater to witches and Wizards wich will have a lot of weathered and spider webs . I know I like all three and I can't wait to see the concept drawings as the October 1st date for introduction to the W-shop gets closer. Autumn sure looks like it will be fun in Webkinz World.

Since last maintenance, Pollie Jean has introduced her new Summer Clothing line. Along with the new clothing they also revealed that there would be two new recipes using the new clothing, only, for combinations to make unique clothing pieces. We are fortunate enough to have diligent recipe crafters, here and they have found the recipes for these two new spectacular items! The two new combinations are the Citrus Strappy Sundress and the Short Sleeve Hoodie. For one of the combinations you will need a piece of Deluxe clothing, the other is made using regular player clothing. The Citrus Strappy sundress requires Neon Green Board Shorts (220 KC) Neon Yellow Visor (250 KC) and the Hot Pink Cargo Pants (Deluxe 355 KC) The Short Sleeve Hoodie is made from Neon Green Sunglasses (200 KC) Neon Pink and Orange Swim Dress (355 KC) and the Neon Yellow Slides (190 KC) Currently, you cannot send the finished combination. We will let you know if this changes.

Webkinz World may have just celebrated its tenth anniversary, but GANZ has further plans in store for Webkinz World members. A new secret project, titled "Webkinz World X", will be previewed over the coming months and is expected to release this Summer. GANZ has announced that this project will bring "a huge leap forward in the look and feel of the game" while "keeping everything you love" still within Webkinz World. The first preview for Webkinz X was the image included on the left, which is to "play an important part of the new Webkinz X." Stay tuned to Webkinz Newz throughout the coming weeks, as Ganz has promised more sneak peeks and information in the near future.

It is uncertain at this time what kind, and how much of Webkinz World, will be changed. Although this change may be unwelcome by some long term players, especially with so much uncertanty about the changes and direction of this beloved game, it should also bring members some comfort that GANZ appears committed to improving and updating Webkinz World. A welcomed change to the online world of gaming, and what one could consider to be a great sign for a game who has just entered its eleventh year of existence.

Congratulations to WI Member TNVOLS on their adoption of the Sock Elephant, and Teal Zebra. Caboodle can be seen pictured here with their Pet Specific Item, the Knitted Hammock. The Pet Specific Food for this pet is Sweet Savannah Tea. Additionally, Chapman the Teal Zebra is also pictured below with their Pet Specific Item the Wild Outdoor Tent. The Teal Zebra's Pet Specific Food is the Tasty Trail Mix.

The Sock Elephant and Teal Zebra are part of the eStore's pre-sale promotion of 2015 Summer and Autumnpets. The Pre-sale is a limited time offer, ending January 4th (2015), and is open to all Webkinz members. The pets will return in 2015, and offered at regular eStore pricing, but it is unknown at what specific time they will be offered.

If you are thinking about adopting either one of these pets, or any other pre-sale pet, remember that you only have a limited time to do so before the sale ends!

Santakinz has returned to the club house once again, and with his return marks the launch of the Santakinz Photo Gallery Project. Each year, members on WI work together to update the Photo Gallery with Santakinz photos with individual Webkinz Pets. The Gallery is one of many projects taken on throughout the year to help create a database of Webkinz information and guides for our members via the WIki.

There are many pets still missing from the gallery, and you can help by simply visiting Santakinz and sharing the picture for everyone to see. For those looking to participate more information can be found on the Santakinz Photo Project thread, or by visiting our WIki HERE.

Thanks to all of our members for their continued work on this unique project!

Congratulations to WI Member PUGTONY3 on their adoption of the Midnight Martin. The Midnight Martin's PSI Astral Dream Bed is pictured here with Twinkle. The PSF for this pet is called Moonlight Meringues.

This pet is exclusive to the Ganz eStore and is part of the pre-sale ongoing of 2015 virtual pets. The eStore pre-sale is open until January 4th (2015), if you are interested in owning this pet, or any other upcoming 2015 pet, you may want to purchase it shortly as they will not return until the summer or fall of 2015.

Interested in learning more about current, retired, or seasonal Webkinz Pets? Visit our WIKI, created and maintained by Webkinz fans like you!